'''Denizli''' is the commercial and transportation hub of [[Aegean Turkey]]. It is nesteled against the hillside at the southern side of the Buyuk menderes river plane. It's a busy place partly because of nearby [[Pamukkale]] and its travertine pools but mainly because it's the main commercial hub for the agricultural produce coming from the region. It's also the place where you probably need to go if you're in need of cash.

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'''Denizli''' is the commercial and transportation hub of inland region of [[Southern Aegean|southeastern]] [[Aegean Turkey]]. It is nestled against the hillside at the southern side of the plains of Büyük Menderes River. It's a busy place partly because of nearby [[Pamukkale]] and its travertine pools but mainly because it's the main commercial hub for the agricultural produce coming from the region. It's also the place where you probably need to go if you're in need of cash.

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Don't let it's looks deceive you when you arrive at the Otogar once you proceed beyond the main thorougfare and it's dreary concrete facades which are repeated throughout the city, you find there's a lively market and all sorts of eateries. Since tourists don't really come here, you probably won't be harassed.

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Don't let its looks deceive you when you arrive at the ''otogar'' once you proceed beyond the main thorougfare and its dreary concrete facades which are repeated throughout the city, you find there's a lively market and all sorts of eateries. Since tourists don't really come here, you probably won't be harassed.

==Get in==

==Get in==

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There are busses here (directly or indirectly) to and from [[Nevsehir]] (for [[Goreme]]), [[Istanbul]], [[Fethiye]] and [[Selcuk]] (for [[Ephesus]]). Actually, as a whole, Turkey offers a very well connected bus system. You can reach almost every cities of Turkey from Denizli. The most notable ones are Adana, İzmir,İstanbul,Diyarbakır, Ankara and so on.

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===By bus===

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There are busses here (directly or indirectly) to and from [[Nevsehir]] (for [[Goreme]]), [[Istanbul]], [[Fethiye]], and [[Selçuk]] (for [[Ephesus]]). In addition to these well travelled towns, the extensive, reliable, and almost always on time Turkish bus system links Denizli with almost any major city in the country. The most notable ones are [[Adana]], [[Izmir]], [[Istanbul]], [[Diyarbakir|Diyarbakır]], [[Ankara]] and so on. As in the rest of the country, when you consider buying a ticket, always try to use the well-known companies. Usually they have bigger signs in the ''otogar'' (main coach stations). Also, always check your departure time and gate as well as the destination. The agent most probably will not know any word in English so you may need to use body language instead.

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You can take a so called "dolmus" (minibus) from here to [[Pamukkale]] they run approximately twice an hour.

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The local company, Pamukkale Tourism [http://www.pamukkale.com.tr/index.html] offers the best options with buses to many cities leaving once or even twice an hour. However, you could view all bus firms' journeys in [http://www.obilet.com]. Also you can search for all Denizli destination from [http://www.otobusbiletisorgulama.com/denizli-otobus-seferleri.html].

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===By Train;===

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Many of the bus companies (such as Pamukkale, Kamil Koç, and Metro) offer a free servis shuttle from the bus station into the city which is a nice option if you want to avoid a taxi ride. Tell the driver where you would like to go and make sure they realize you're not a local, and they will help you get on the right shuttle and help you get off at the right stop.

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There are trains to/from Izmir, Ankara and Istanbul. However, unfortunately, the train connections of Turkey are as good as its European counterparts. There is still a construction work on the railroad that connects Denizli to Izmir and Istanbul so always try to avoid using trains.

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You can take a ''dolmuş'' (minibus) from Denizli to [[Pamukkale]]. They run approximately twice an hour.

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===By Air;===

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When traveling in the city of Denizli it's important to be aware that there are two bus stations. The old, original bus station in the heart of the city is currently being remodeled. This area is called "eski garaj." Dolmuş buses pick up and drop off from a strip of sidewalk along the main road there. If you are staying in downtown Denizli this is a good place to pick up a dolmuş going to Pamukkale. The main bus station right now (where intercity buslines like Pamukkale, Kamil Koç, and Metro operate) is on the edge of town in an old shopping mall. To get to this bus station you should ask for the "otogar."

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is another alternative to the area. Pamukkale is 252 km from the airport, a drive of about 4 hours (4-1/2 to 5 hours by bus)or 6-7 hours by train. (Check TCDD [http://www.tcdd.gov.tr] for train schedule).

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Currently there are trains only from [[Izmir]] to the city. The daily [[Istanbul]] service (''Pamukkale Express'') was suspended in 2008 due to track renovations, and it is not certain when/if it will re-start service. Check with Turkish State Railways' (''TCDD'') website [http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/] for most up-to-date information on this.

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===By Bus;===

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===By air===

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Bus to Pamukkale/Denizli can be found from almost all the cities of Turkey.

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The closest airport is Denizli - Çardak Airport ({{IATA|DNZ}}, {{ICAO|LTAY}}). The national carrier Turkish Airlines [http://www.thy.com] now provides three daily flights from [[Istanbul]] Atatürk Airport. The times are very early morning, morning, and evening. Çardak Airport is about one hour outside the actual city of Denizli. There are taxis available at the airport, but a better option is taking the havaş. The havaş is a bus that goes only between the airport and the city for every flight. It currently costs 15 TL. If you are going to Pamukkale, the havaş can take you from the airport to a dolmuş (minibus) that goes to Pamukkale.

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[[Izmir]] Adnan Menderes Airport is another alternative to the area. Denizli is about 260 km from the airport, a drive of about 4 hours (4 1/2 to 5 hours by bus) or 6-7 hours by train.

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==Get around==

==Get around==

+

Denizli is not a very big city. You won't need to use the transportation system very often. Minibuses and buses provide service. There is neither metro nor trams running. Just rely on your foot as the center of the city is so small. If you want to go to the outskirts of the city you can take buses. Every bus has a sign on it stating where it goes and terminates. You can try to ask the driver as well.

==See==

==See==

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Because it is not a very popular tourist destination, Denizli does not have tons of stuff to offer. However, there are very beautiful parks in the city. The ones that are worth a look&mdash;also for some fresh air&mdash;are '''İncilipınar Parkı''' and '''Çamlık'''. There is one very famous '''museum''' which was the house used by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk&mdash;the founder of the Turkish Republic&mdash;when he visited Denizli. This museum is conveniently located across the street from "Babadağlılar İşhanı" where you can shop for Turkish towels and other linens.

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There is also a very important historical site in [[Pamukkale]]&mdash;the ancient site of''' Hierapolis'''. In that historical site, you can find a well preserved ancient theater and necropolis. The Hierapolis Museum and historic site are well worth seeing. A bit closer by are the ruins of what once was '''Laodicea'''. The main part of the ancient town is somewhat better preserved than that of '''Hierapolis'''. On the other hand; the theatre at Hierapolis is in much better shape than that of Laodicaea. Since it's along the dolmuş route between Denizli and Pamukkale, you can ask the driver to let you out at the turn-off and pick up a later dolmuş to carry you on to your destination. The driver will stop and let you off on the side of the highway. You should see a large brown sign pointing out the direction of Laodicea. You will need to walk up this road about 15 minutes to reach the site. Pamukkale University and the city of Denizli have been doing extensive excavations in the last year and have developed the site nicely. There is a small cafe and gift shop as well as restrooms. Even if you don't have time to walk around the entire site, you should walk down the main road, called Syria Street, and go up to the temple. The temple has a glass floor so you can look down into the basement and see offerings that were uncovered there during excavations. The temple also offers a great view of the surrounding area, including Pamukkale in the distance.

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==Do==

==Do==

==Buy==

==Buy==

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Denizli is a very well-known textile city in Turkey. It may offer you a wide-variety of textile products. Also, one can find some hand-made clothes and so on. The biggest place for buying traditional handmade clothes is "Babadağlılar İşhanı" located in the heart of the city. Moreover, huge shopping malls such as "Teraspark" and "Forum Çamlık" are good options for famous world-wide-known stores.

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Denizli is well-known for its '''textile''' in Turkey. It may offer you a wide-variety of textile products. Also, one can find some hand-made clothes and so on. The biggest place for buying traditional handmade clothes is "Babadağlılar İşhanı" located in the heart of the city. Moreover, huge shopping malls such as "Teraspark" and "Forum Çamlık" are good options for world-wide-known stores.

==Eat==

==Eat==

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You can find some different choices in Denizli to eat. The very first one of these is "Denizli Kebabı". You can taste it in "Bayramyeri" district. It is also known as "Tandır" in some parts of Turkey. Denizli Kebabı can be consumed best in the mid-day.

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You can find some local tastes in Denizli to eat. The very first one that is worth a mention of these is ''Denizli Kebabı''. Fairly good ''Denizli kebabi'' can be had at '''Enver Kebabçı''' and '''Kebabci Halil''' both of which are located at Bayramyeri district. This local type of kebab is also known as ''Tandır'' in some other regions of Turkey. ''Denizli Kebabı'' is best eaten around noon.

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Also, another option would be "Kaşarlı Alabalık". A kind of meal made from fish and cheese in a very special oven.

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You should also try the toasts of "Karadam" which is located in the city centre "Çınar". The "Dörtlü" is something that you should not miss.

+

Also, another option would be ''Kaşarlı Alabalık''&mdash;a kind of meal made from fish covered with some grated cheese in a very special oven.

+

+

You should also try the toasts of the buffet "Karadam" which is located in the city centre "Çınar". The ''Dörtlü'' is also something that you should not miss.

+

+

There is a local company called "Hacı Şerif" that sells all kinds of sweets from Turkish Delight (lokum) to hard candies and chocolates. They have a large shop in downtown Denizli (Çinar) and smaller shops throughout the rest of the city. They are a family business, started in 1938, and well known locally. Besides their Turkish Delight, you should try their Dondurmalı İrmik Helvası [http://youtu.be/xIqSJksW7IE]. Irmik helvası is a dessert made with semolina and pine nuts. Hacı Şerif places a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a small cup and packs warm irmik helvası in around it. The resulting dessert is a delicious mixture of warm and cold.

==Drink==

==Drink==

==Sleep==

==Sleep==

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The places to stay in the city centre are not the only choices. Pamukkale and especially Karahayıt offers some better places to stay at affordable prices. In the hotels of Karahayıt you can have a good service including special messages and thermal SPA. Be aware that in some hotels around the "Otogar" you may face with some illegal activities such as prostution.

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While there are places to stay in the city centre, the hotels in nearby [[Pamukkale]] and especially Karahayıt (further north from Pamukkale) offers some better places to stay at affordable prices. In the hotels of Karahayıt you can have a good service including special messages and thermal spa. Be aware that in some hotels around the ''otogar'' you may encounter some illegal activities such as prostution.

==Get out==

==Get out==

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* Visiting [[Pamukkale]] is possibly why you are in Denizli in the first place.

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* Nearby [[Aphrodisias]] is one of the best preserved Roman cities in Turkey, and without the usual crowds of better known sites such as [[Ephesus]].

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Revision as of 08:32, 8 February 2013

Denizli is the commercial and transportation hub of inland region of southeasternAegean Turkey. It is nestled against the hillside at the southern side of the plains of Büyük Menderes River. It's a busy place partly because of nearby Pamukkale and its travertine pools but mainly because it's the main commercial hub for the agricultural produce coming from the region. It's also the place where you probably need to go if you're in need of cash.

Don't let its looks deceive you when you arrive at the otogar once you proceed beyond the main thorougfare and its dreary concrete facades which are repeated throughout the city, you find there's a lively market and all sorts of eateries. Since tourists don't really come here, you probably won't be harassed.

Contents

Get in

By bus

There are busses here (directly or indirectly) to and from Nevsehir (for Goreme), Istanbul, Fethiye, and Selçuk (for Ephesus). In addition to these well travelled towns, the extensive, reliable, and almost always on time Turkish bus system links Denizli with almost any major city in the country. The most notable ones are Adana, Izmir, Istanbul, Diyarbakır, Ankara and so on. As in the rest of the country, when you consider buying a ticket, always try to use the well-known companies. Usually they have bigger signs in the otogar (main coach stations). Also, always check your departure time and gate as well as the destination. The agent most probably will not know any word in English so you may need to use body language instead.

The local company, Pamukkale Tourism [1] offers the best options with buses to many cities leaving once or even twice an hour. However, you could view all bus firms' journeys in [2]. Also you can search for all Denizli destination from [3].

Many of the bus companies (such as Pamukkale, Kamil Koç, and Metro) offer a free servis shuttle from the bus station into the city which is a nice option if you want to avoid a taxi ride. Tell the driver where you would like to go and make sure they realize you're not a local, and they will help you get on the right shuttle and help you get off at the right stop.

You can take a dolmuş (minibus) from Denizli to Pamukkale. They run approximately twice an hour.

When traveling in the city of Denizli it's important to be aware that there are two bus stations. The old, original bus station in the heart of the city is currently being remodeled. This area is called "eski garaj." Dolmuş buses pick up and drop off from a strip of sidewalk along the main road there. If you are staying in downtown Denizli this is a good place to pick up a dolmuş going to Pamukkale. The main bus station right now (where intercity buslines like Pamukkale, Kamil Koç, and Metro operate) is on the edge of town in an old shopping mall. To get to this bus station you should ask for the "otogar."

By train

Currently there are trains only from Izmir to the city. The daily Istanbul service (Pamukkale Express) was suspended in 2008 due to track renovations, and it is not certain when/if it will re-start service. Check with Turkish State Railways' (TCDD) website [4] for most up-to-date information on this.

By air

The closest airport is Denizli - Çardak Airport (IATA: DNZ, ICAO: LTAY). The national carrier Turkish Airlines [5] now provides three daily flights from Istanbul Atatürk Airport. The times are very early morning, morning, and evening. Çardak Airport is about one hour outside the actual city of Denizli. There are taxis available at the airport, but a better option is taking the havaş. The havaş is a bus that goes only between the airport and the city for every flight. It currently costs 15 TL. If you are going to Pamukkale, the havaş can take you from the airport to a dolmuş (minibus) that goes to Pamukkale.

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is another alternative to the area. Denizli is about 260 km from the airport, a drive of about 4 hours (4 1/2 to 5 hours by bus) or 6-7 hours by train.

Get around

Denizli is not a very big city. You won't need to use the transportation system very often. Minibuses and buses provide service. There is neither metro nor trams running. Just rely on your foot as the center of the city is so small. If you want to go to the outskirts of the city you can take buses. Every bus has a sign on it stating where it goes and terminates. You can try to ask the driver as well.

See

Because it is not a very popular tourist destination, Denizli does not have tons of stuff to offer. However, there are very beautiful parks in the city. The ones that are worth a look—also for some fresh air—are İncilipınar Parkı and Çamlık. There is one very famous museum which was the house used by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk—the founder of the Turkish Republic—when he visited Denizli. This museum is conveniently located across the street from "Babadağlılar İşhanı" where you can shop for Turkish towels and other linens.

There is also a very important historical site in Pamukkale—the ancient site of Hierapolis. In that historical site, you can find a well preserved ancient theater and necropolis. The Hierapolis Museum and historic site are well worth seeing. A bit closer by are the ruins of what once was Laodicea. The main part of the ancient town is somewhat better preserved than that of Hierapolis. On the other hand; the theatre at Hierapolis is in much better shape than that of Laodicaea. Since it's along the dolmuş route between Denizli and Pamukkale, you can ask the driver to let you out at the turn-off and pick up a later dolmuş to carry you on to your destination. The driver will stop and let you off on the side of the highway. You should see a large brown sign pointing out the direction of Laodicea. You will need to walk up this road about 15 minutes to reach the site. Pamukkale University and the city of Denizli have been doing extensive excavations in the last year and have developed the site nicely. There is a small cafe and gift shop as well as restrooms. Even if you don't have time to walk around the entire site, you should walk down the main road, called Syria Street, and go up to the temple. The temple has a glass floor so you can look down into the basement and see offerings that were uncovered there during excavations. The temple also offers a great view of the surrounding area, including Pamukkale in the distance.

Do

Buy

Denizli is well-known for its textile in Turkey. It may offer you a wide-variety of textile products. Also, one can find some hand-made clothes and so on. The biggest place for buying traditional handmade clothes is "Babadağlılar İşhanı" located in the heart of the city. Moreover, huge shopping malls such as "Teraspark" and "Forum Çamlık" are good options for world-wide-known stores.

Eat

You can find some local tastes in Denizli to eat. The very first one that is worth a mention of these is Denizli Kebabı. Fairly good Denizli kebabi can be had at Enver Kebabçı and Kebabci Halil both of which are located at Bayramyeri district. This local type of kebab is also known as Tandır in some other regions of Turkey. Denizli Kebabı is best eaten around noon.

Also, another option would be Kaşarlı Alabalık—a kind of meal made from fish covered with some grated cheese in a very special oven.

You should also try the toasts of the buffet "Karadam" which is located in the city centre "Çınar". The Dörtlü is also something that you should not miss.

There is a local company called "Hacı Şerif" that sells all kinds of sweets from Turkish Delight (lokum) to hard candies and chocolates. They have a large shop in downtown Denizli (Çinar) and smaller shops throughout the rest of the city. They are a family business, started in 1938, and well known locally. Besides their Turkish Delight, you should try their Dondurmalı İrmik Helvası [6]. Irmik helvası is a dessert made with semolina and pine nuts. Hacı Şerif places a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a small cup and packs warm irmik helvası in around it. The resulting dessert is a delicious mixture of warm and cold.

Drink

Sleep

While there are places to stay in the city centre, the hotels in nearby Pamukkale and especially Karahayıt (further north from Pamukkale) offers some better places to stay at affordable prices. In the hotels of Karahayıt you can have a good service including special messages and thermal spa. Be aware that in some hotels around the otogar you may encounter some illegal activities such as prostution.

Get out

Visiting Pamukkale is possibly why you are in Denizli in the first place.

Nearby Aphrodisias is one of the best preserved Roman cities in Turkey, and without the usual crowds of better known sites such as Ephesus.